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ISTE President Says It Is Time For Education To "Step Into The Future"

A challenge and commitment to educators and policymakers to focus on the future of students and schools was the message delivered by Helen Padgett, PhD, president of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE®), during the opening session of the 30th annual National Educational Computing Conference (NECC). The opening session was held on Sunday, June 28, at WalterE.WashingtonConvention Centerin Washington, D.C. 

"It must be our job, our focus–our mission–to make going to school a step into the future for our students," Padgett told a capacity crowd.  "A future defined by an educational environment enriched with technology that will engage them, challenge them, inspire them, and prepare them for all that life has to offer."

Padgett said that during her term as president she will focus on strengthening ISTE's bonds with international and affiliate organizations, and on advocacy efforts.  She encouraged attendees to share their stories about excellence in learning and teaching.

"We're gathering input from our affiliates, from experts in schools and districts, organizing that into actionable legislative language or proposals, and amplifying and disseminating this knowledge from the field so that it informs policy," Padgett said.  "Hundreds of you will be joining us later this week to carry the ed tech story to policymakers on Capitol Hill. The timing of your visits couldn’t be better."

"With new leadership in Washington and the unprecedented funding being made available to education, the future is now to make systemic change," Padgett said. "The decisions made now will define where education and education technology will be in 10, 20, or 30 years."

Padgett also said ISTE will continue to bring government and education leaders together to create a world-class, globally competitive education system.

Padgett is a faculty member at Arizona State University and a member of the Arizona Technology in Education Alliance.

About ISTE

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is the premier membership association for educators and education leaders engaged in improving teaching and learning by advancing the effective use of technology in PK-12 and teacher education.